Albuquerque Open Space Division Hosting Discovery Hikes at Candelaria Nature Preserve

The City’s Open Space Division is inviting the public to a series of “Discovery Hikes” in late February and March at the Candelaria Nature Preserve. The hikes give the public a chance to weigh in on how we manage this North Valley gem going forward. Staff experts from the City’s Open Space Division will guide hikes around the property, pointing out the land’s natural features and asking for feedback about how the land should be managed going forward.

“The Candelaria Nature Preserve is a natural gem in the heart of Albuquerque,” stated Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon. “We invite citizens to join us for these fun and informative hikes and to engage in the planning process.”

The first four hikes will take place Saturday, February 23 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. launching from two different locations on the property. Hikes will also be hosted on Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m.  and 10:30 a.m. Anyone interested in participating should visit www.cabq.gov/candelaria-nature-preserve for more information and are encouraged to register for a specific hike on the website.

In 1977, the City of Albuquerque purchased approximately 167 acres in the North Valley to create a nature preserve with an outdoor recreation component. The property was purchased with money from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. Since the property’s purchase, Candelaria Nature Preserve has been operated and maintained by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division and the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park as a part of a network of open spaces that:

• Preserves and protects natural features and cultural resources,
• Create a sense of place for residents and visitors,
• Provides educational and recreational opportunities, and;
• Contributes to a network of Rio Grande migratory bird refuges along the Rio Grande.